From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hong Kong Island
Location within Hong Kong
Area
- Total	80.5 km2 (31.1 sq mi)
Population (2008)
- Total	1,289,500
- Density	16,390/km2 (42,449.9/sq mi)
Time zone	Hong Kong Time (UTC+8)

The night view of "Island side" as seen from "Kowloon side" - the opposite side of the Victoria Harbour

A view of Middle Island in the foreground and Repulse Bay in the background from the Ocean Park cable car ride (in the Southern District)

Hong Kong Island (traditional Chinese: 香港島) is an island in the southern part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It has a population of 1,289,500^[1] and its population density is 16,390/km²^[2], as of 2008. The island had a population of 3,000 inhabitants scattered in a dozen fishing villages when it was occupied by the United Kingdom in the First Opium War in 1842, and the City of Victoria was then established on the island by the British Force in honour of Queen Victoria. The Central area on the island is the historical, political and economic centre of Hong Kong. The northern coast of the island forms the southern shore of the Victoria Harbour, which is largely responsible for the development of Hong Kong due to its deep waters favoured by large trade ships.

The island is home to many of the most famous sights in Hong Kong, such as "The Peak", Ocean Park, many historical sites and various large shopping centres. The mountain ranges across the island are also famous for hiking. The northern part of Hong Kong Island together with Kowloon forms the core urban area of Hong Kong. Their combined area is approximately 88.3 km² (34.5 sq. mi.) and their combined population (that of the northern part of the island and of Kowloon) is approximately 3,156,500, reflecting a population density of 35,700/km² (91,500/sq. mi.).

The island is often referred to locally as "Hong Kong side" or "Island side". This style was formerly applied to many locations (eg 'China-side' or even 'Kowloon Walled City-side') but is now only heard in this form and 'Kowloon side', suggesting the two sides of the harbour.^[3] (The form was once more common in Britain than now, such as 'Surrey-side'^[4] and is still seen in British placenames like 'Cheapside', 'Tyneside', and 'Teesside', not all of which have an obvious watercourse or boundary with actual sides.)

Administration

Districts located on the island:

• Central and Western District
• Eastern District
• Southern District (including the islands of Ap Lei Chau and Ap Lei Pai)
• Wan Chai District

Hong Kong Island is one of the five Legislative Council geographical constituencies.

Note: Hong Kong Island is not part of the Islands District.

History

Colonial era

Due to Qing Dynasty China's loss to Britain in the First Opium War (1839-1841), it was forced to sign the Convention of Chuenpeh in 1841, ceding Hong Kong Island to the British. China and Britain later signed the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, ceding the island "in perpetuity" to Great Britain and making Hong Kong Island an official British colony in the Far East.

On 20 January 1841, Hong Kong Island was occupied militarily by Captain Charles Elliot of the British Royal Navy. He landed at Possession Point, and declared the island a "barren rock".^[5]

The British developed their foothold in Central, creating Hong Kong's first street - Hollywood Road. Central grew into an administrative and business centre. From the 19th to 20th centuries, Hong Kong's economy flourished mainly due to commercial trade, with most businesses being located in Central, which became the central business district. The island also began developing several upper-class residences, such as Mid-levels, Victoria Peak and Repulse Bay.

Hong Kong developed into a prosperous, if somewhat sleepy, colonial outpost, and a convenient port from which the British Empire could extract material wealth from the decaying Qing Empire. The territory of Hong Kong was further expanded in 1898 with the acquisition of Kowloon and the New Territories in a 99-year lease. The prosperity of Hong Kong came to a sudden end with the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, and the subsequent Japanese invasion in 1941.

Japanese invasion and occupation

The Second World War was a dark period for Hong Kong. In the 1930s, the British anticipated a Japanese attack on Hong Kong. As Wong Nai Chung Gap was a strategic important place of defence, large-scale defensive works were constructed there, including anti-aircraft batteries, howitzers, and machine gun nests.

The Battle of Hong Kong began on 8 December 1941. British, Canadian, Indian armies and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Forces resisted the Japanese invasion commanded by Sakai Takashi, which began eight hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. However, the Japanese were able to take control of the Hong Kong skies on the first day of attack, outnumbering the defenders. The Britons and the Indians retreated from the Gin Drinker's Line and consequently from Kowloon under heavy aerial bombardment and artillery barrage.

On 18 December, the Japanese had conquered North Point, reaching Wong Nai Chung Gap on the next day. English and Scottish forces and the Canadian Winnipeg Grenadiers vigorously defended the crucial point of Wong Nai Chung Gap, and for a while successfully secured the passage between Central and the secluded southern parts of the island. Japanese casualties were about 600. However, Allied forces there were ultimately defeated by the Japanese on 23 December, and Wong Nai Chung Reservoir was lost - the only one in Hong Kong at the time. As Wan Chai Gap had also fallen that same day, the British had no choice but to surrender.

Hong Kong was surrendered on 25 December 1941, thereafter often called "Black Christmas" by locals. The Governor of Hong Kong, Mark Young, surrendered in person at the temporary Japanese headquarters, on the third floor of the Peninsula Hotel, thus beginning the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. Isogai Rensuke became the first Japanese governor of Hong Kong. Hyper-inflation and food rationing followed; and the Japanese declared Hong Kong Dollars illegal. Furthermore, 10,000 women were raped in the first few days after Hong Kong's capture and a large number of suspected dissidents were executed. The Japanese cut rations for civilians to conserve food for soldiers, usually to starvation levels. Many people were forcibly moved to famine- and disease-ridden areas of the mainland. When the Japanese surrendered to the United States on 14 August 1945, the population of Hong Kong had shrunk to 600,000, less than half of the pre-war population of 1.6 million.

Post-war era

After the war, Hong Kong's population increased rapidly, leading to further development of areas other than Central, including North Point, Shau Kei Wan, Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay grew as commercial centres.

Geography

Hong Kong Island is the second-largest island of the territory, the largest being Lantau Island. Its area is 80.5 km², including 6.98 km² of land reclaimed since 1887 and some smaller scale ones since 1851. It makes up approximately 7% of the total territory. It is separated from the mainland (Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories) by Victoria Harbour.

Demographics

Its population as of 2000 is 1,367,900, which makes up approximately 19% of that of Hong Kong. Its population density is higher than for the whole of Hong Kong, ca. 18,000 per km². However, the population is heavily concentrated along the northern shore. The combined population of Central and Western, Wan Chai, and Eastern is 1,085,500, giving this urbanised part of the island a density of around 26,000 per km², or 67,000 per mi², in its approximately 41.3 km², or 16.1 mi².

The residents living in the three northern shore districts of Hong Kong island have the highest median household income of any area in Hong Kong. Affluent districts on Hong Kong Island are the Peak, Western Mid-Levels (Conduit Road/Robinson Road/Magazine Gap Road,etc), Eastern Mid-Levels (Happy Valley/Tai Hang/Jardines Lookout), Tai Tam, Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay.

Transport

Admiralty MTR station

The Island Line of the MTR underground railway network runs exclusively on Hong Kong Island, from West to East, along the northern coastline of the island. However, the western part of the island is not yet served by the railway. The government and MTR have planned to extend the Island Line to Kennedy Town, the western tip of the island. The extension is expected to start construction in 2008 and open in 2012.

Hong Kong Tramways and the Peak Tram run exclusively on Hong Kong Island, which run from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, with a branch links from Causeway Bay to Happy Valley and the Central District to Victoria Peak respectively.

Hong Kong Island is connected to the Kowloon Peninsula on the mainland by two road-only tunnels (the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the Western Harbour Tunnel), two MTR railway tunnels (Tsuen Wan Line and Tung Chung Line) and one combined road and MTR rail link tunnel (Eastern Harbour Tunnel, containing the Tseung Kwan O Line and road traffic in separate conduits running side by side). A fourth rail link (Shatin to Central Link from Causeway Bay to Hung Hom) and a fourth harbour-crossing tunnel are being planned in order to solve the congested traffic of the current tunnels in peak hours. There is no bridge between the island and the mainland. A bridge connects Ap Lei Chau and Wong Chuk Hang of Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island. It was opened in 1983 with two lanes and was expanded to four in 1994.

See also

Hong Kong portal

• Hong Kong
• List of areas of Hong Kong
• List of streets and roads in Hong Kong
• Islands and peninsulas of Hong Kong
• Country parks and conservation in Hong Kong
• Queen's Road
• Des Voeux Road
• Connaught Road

References

External links

• Satellite image of Hong Kong Island by Google Maps
• Map of Hong Kong in 1844

Major islands in Hong Kong Major islands (by size): Lantau · Hong Kong Island · Lamma · Chek Lap Kok · Tsing Yi · Kau Sai Chau · Po Toi (Po Toi, Waglan) · Cheung Chau · Tung Lung Chau · Kat O · Wong Wan Chau · Hei Ling Chau · Tap Mun Chau · Ap Lei Chau · Soko Islands (Tai A Chau, Siu A Chau) · Ping Chau · Peng Chau · Ma Wan · Ninepin Group · The Brothers · Green Island · Kowloon Rock Former islands: Kellett Island · Stonecutters Island · Hoi Sham Island · Channel Rock · Tsing Chau · Mong Chau · Chau Tsai · Nga Ying Chau · Lam Chau · Rumsey Rock · High Island · Yuen Chau Tsai

Districts of Hong Kong Hong Kong Island: Central and Western · Eastern · Southern · Wan Chai Kowloon East: Kwun Tong · Wong Tai Sin Kowloon West: Kowloon City · Sham Shui Po · Yau Tsim Mong New Territories East: North · Sai Kung · Sha Tin · Tai Po New Territories West: Islands · Kwai Tsing · Tsuen Wan · Tuen Mun · Yuen Long

From Wikitravel

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong is the island that gives this SAR its name. Although it is not the largest part of the territory, it is the place that many tourists regard as the main event. The parade of buildings that make the Hong Kong skyline has been likened to a glittering bar chart that is made apparent by the presence of Victoria Harbour. To get the best views of Hong Kong leave the island and head for the Kowloon waterfront.

Star Ferry and the Island skyline

The great majority of Hong Kong Island's urban development is densely packed on reclaimed land along the northern shore. This is the place the British colonisers took as their own and so if you are looking for evidence of the territories colonial past, then this is a good place to start. Victoria was once the colonies capital but has been rebranded with a more descriptive name, Central. Here you will find the machinery of government grinding away much as it always has done, except Beijing, not London, is the boss that keeps a watchful eye. Seek a glimpse of government house (香港禮賓府) which was formerly home to 25 British governors and is now the residence of the Chief Executive. Nearby, the Legislative Council (Legco) continues to make the laws that organise the territory.

Leading up from Central is the Escalator and the Peak Tram (see Get around), which pass through the hip district of Soho and the residential Mid-Levels. Up top is the The Peak, the tallest point on the island where foreign diplomats and business tycoons compete for the best views of the harbour from some of the most expensive homes to be found anywhere. Most tourists don't go much further than the Peak Tram, but take a short walk and you will escape the crowds and be rewarded with some of the best harbour views. It is worth investing in a good map from leading bookshops in Central if you want to enjoy some of the superb footpaths that crisscross the island.

The southern side of the island has developed into an upmarket residential area with many large houses and expensive apartments with views across the South China sea. The islands best beaches, such as Repulse bay, are found here and visitors can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life than on the bustling harbour side of the island.

Districts

Hong Kong Island consists of many small districts, but for administration purposes the Island is broken down as follows:

• Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
• Central and Western
• Eastern
• Southern

Map of Hong Kong Island

There are numerous ways to get to Hong Kong Island.

By boat

The Star Ferry Star Ferry [1] is the classic way to get to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. There are four routes operated by The Star Ferry company.

• Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon - Central, Hong Kong Island — the busiest route by far, and only $2.3/1.8 on the upper/lower deck. The upper deck might get you air-con, but the views are better from the windowless lower deck.
• Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon - Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island.
• Hung Hom, Kowloon - Central, Hong Kong Island.
• Hung Hom, Kowloon - Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island.

New World First Ferry New World First Ferry [2] operates some other routes between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

• Hung Hom, Kowloon - North Point, Hong Kong Island.
• Kowloon City, Kowloon - North Point, Hong Kong Island.

Fortune Ferry operates one route.

• Kwun Tong, Kowloon - North Point, Hong Kong Island.

Coral Sea Ferry operates two routes between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

• Kwun Tong, Kowloon - Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong Island.
• Sam Ka Tsuen, Kowloon - Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong Island.

The Transport Department also provides an online directory [3] on Hong Kong's ferry services.

Note that, due to an ongoing reclamation and redevelopment project in Central/Admiralty that includes a new waterfront, much of the shoreline is presently a mess and access to the ferries can be a little confusing — take heed of signs warning about the ever-shifting arrangements.

By bus

For details of cross-harbour buses, see the Hong Kong section.

Bus fares range from $9.30 to $11.10 for routes linking the urban areas in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Some routes heading for more remote places are charged at a higher fare.

By metro

From more distant points the three lines of the MTR crossing the harbour may offer a faster alternative.

By train

If coming from the airport, the Airport Express's Hong Kong station is in the heart of Central.

Get around

By escalator

The world's longest outdoor escalator travels from Central through Soho to the residential developments of the Mid-levels. The escalator moves down in the morning rush hour but up the rest of the time, and using it is free — in fact, you can even get Octopus credits from machines along the way for being willing to use your feet!

The escalator cuts through some of the oldest streets found anywhere in Hong Kong, so if you are happy to take a chance and just wander and explore the back streets you are likely to find something of interest that dates back to colonial times. The immediate area to the east of the escalator was once reserved for the exclusive use of Chinese people.

Hong Kong from the top of the Peak Tram

Operated by Hong Kong Tramways [4], the narrow double-decker city trams trundling on the north coast of Hong Kong Island are a Hong Kong icon. Trams are slow and follow the coastline of a century ago which has been long since pushed inland by reclamation. Although these old trams lack air-con, a flat fare of only $2 for adults at $1 for kids makes them a real bargain; even if you travel the full 1.5 hours from end to end, they're the cheapest sightseeing tour around. Enter by the back door, and pay the fare at the driver's door when you exit. Payment can be made by Octopus or you should have the exact fare in cash.

In a league of its own is the Peak Tram[5], Hong Kong's first mechanised mode of transport, opened back in 1888. The remarkably steep 1.7-km track up from Central to Victoria Peak is worth at least one trip despite the comparatively steep price ($22 one-way, $33 return).

On foot

Your own feet remain one of the best ways to get around the crowded northern shore of the Island. In Central, there is a comprehensive network of elevated walkways and pedestrian bridges that link major buildings. Unlike other cities, here you are encouraged to walk through major office buildings. In some instances, the walkways are the only route and heading down to pavement level can lead you into a dead end. Unfortunately, there are no useful maps to help you learn your way around these walkways but they do have the advantage of enabling people to walk above the traffic pollution. Most are well signposted to destinations along the routes.

By metro

The MTR Island Line offers a frequent and fast service linking Central, Causeway Bay and other points on the northern shore of the island. The nearest MTR station is usually well signposted, and all stations have comprehensive destination boards and local area maps, so you only really need to know the name of the closest station to where you want to be.

Modern Hong Kong towers over its colonial heritage.

City centre:

• The Peak[6]— Overlooking the Victoria Harbour from the island side, it offers views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines, as well as many other touristy but fun attractions. To get there, take the scenic 10-minute Peak Tram from Central ($22 one-way or $33 round-trip, 7AM-12AM), and then enjoy a high-speed rollercoaster ride down with green minibus #1 from below the Peak Galleria ($7). Get away from the hordes by taking a circular walk around the Peak. The walk starts along Lugard Road, and follows the beginning of the Hong Kong Trail. It finishes along Harlech Road. The walk along Old Peak Road is also recommended, but take the tram up and walk down unless you are fit. For the best view, you can either dish out $20 for access to the Peak Tower´s observation deck, or just hop into the 3rd floor terrace of the Peak Galleria for free, and get a view that´s almost as good.

• Man Mo Temple Hollywood Road — Nestled in amongst the antique shops of Hollywood Road, with air full of smoke from the hundreds of burning incense coils it was built in the 1840s and is Hong Kong Island's oldest temple. While you're there, pop into one of the many antique shops to see some of the best Chinese and South-East Asian antiques in the world, but beware that there are many very clever fakes for sale.

• Golden Bauhinia Square— Stands outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and was the site of the handover ceremony in 1997. Visit at night time for a stunning view of the neon lit skyline of both Kowloon and Hong Kong.

• Lan Kwai Fong— The main watering-hole for the Hong Kong expat community. Situated up the hill, just behind Central, it has some of the best bars and restaurants in Hong Kong and is lively until the early hours.

• Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, 1F City Hall, Central [7]. Mostly of interest to architecture buffs, but to its credit, this small propaganda exercise manages to make even, say, sewage treatment reasonably interesting with well-presented exhibits, some interactive. The highlight, however, is the Infrastructure Walk, with a giant scale model of a wide swath of Hong Kong showcasing projects completed and planned. Free admission, open daily except Tuesday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Out of town:

• Stanley on the south side of the island, has a souvenir market, a nearby beach and some seaside bars and restaurants. Several busses travel there from Central and Admiralty, and the route takes you through a winding, picturesque view of Hong Kong's south side.

• Jumbo— A floating restaurant in the bay of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, it's a nice place to relax with good drinks and food, and a view over the yachts in the harbour (particularly from the Top Deck).

• Check out Ocean Park [8] on the southern side of Hong Kong island. A shuttle bus which accepts fare payment by Octopus runs there from Admiralty MTR station.
• The many beaches of the southern coast are a nice escape on a sunny day, especially outside the weekends when they're often packed. Repulse Bay is largest and the most popular of the bunch. To get there from Central, take bus 6 or 66 for a scenic, slow and cheaper trip over the Island's hills, or expresses buses 6A/6X/260 for a faster trip through the Aberdeen tunnel.
• Walk around the grocery market in Wan Chai.
• Ride the tram between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. The journey takes round 80 minutes and costs $2. The Hongkong Tramways run between the West and East of Hong Kong Island. Starting from the old district Kennedy Town, you can see the residental areas, followed by the Chinese herbal medicine wholesalers in Sai Ying Pun. Then the tram goes in the famous Central district with high rise commercial buildings and banks. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the districts popular with shoppers and are always crowded with people at all times. Travelling further east are North Point and Shau Kei Wan areas, which are of completely different styles from that in Central and Causeway Bay.

Buy

Central's shopping malls are packed with expensive branded goods. For department stores, such as SOGO, head to Causeway Bay.

Shopping malls

Causeway Bay is probably the best place for shopping in Hong Kong in terms of variety and price. There are several large department stores which are popular meeting places for locals. The area around the World Trade Center is also full of shops.

• Times Square- A shopping centre in Causeway Bay with an excellent concentration of mid-price range shops and restaurants. CitySuper in the basement is one of Hong Kong's upmarket supermarkets, with a food court serving a variety of reasonably priced meals.

• SOGO, a Japanese department store. As well as the standard fare of international label goods (clothes, electronics, home furnishings etc), there is an excellent supermarket in the basement, which sells a variety of Asian foods.

• Lee Gardens and the nearby streets offer more international designer lables such as Gucci and Cartier.

The area from Central to Admiralty also boasts a large number of expensive shopping malls, with designer goods and clothes from Armani to Zegna:

• IFC Mall- Sleek and impressive, this mall located in the International Financial Centre complex right above MTR Hong Kong/Central stations. The public toilets are the best in the area and free to use.

• The Landmark- An older shopping centre that has had a recent facelift to incorporate a five-star hotel. For many, it remains a focus of many of the most expensive designer fashion shops in Hong Kong.

• Pedder St, Queen's Rd Central and the surrounding area is one of the best locations for jewellery and designer watches at prices that can be up to 35% less than Europe. As always, shop around for the best prices and always buy from reputable dealers to avoid fake goods.

• Pacific Place, Queensway and Admiralty Centre. A number of interconnected shopping malls near Admiralty. Pleasant air-conditioned shopping for mid-price to expensive branded goods.

• Soho Area or South of Hollywood road area has a new a trendy shopping area around Staunton and Lower Elgin street with lots of local designers.

• Stanley market- On the southern side of the Island is this reasonably pleasant outdoor market filled with stalls selling all kinds of merchandise. Take one of the versions of bus 6 to get there (see Repulse Bay under "Do").
• Chun Yeung Street- A local market near the North Point Tram terminus. You can find traditional Chinese food, especially Hokkien style food there. There is a variety of household items, clothes and fresh food there. It is a bazaar typical of many on Hong Kong Island.
• Lanes- Buy Chinese dresses, watches, leather bags and many other things here. Li Yuen Street West and Li Yuen Street East, between Queens Road and Des Voeux Road Central.
• Cat Street- Probably the best place to buy souvenirs, lots of Mao memorabilia, porcelain, buddha statues and "antiques". Lok Ku Rd, walk down Hollywood Road towards the west, when you see the Man Mo temple walk down the stairs on the right hand side.

Prices on the Island tend to be higher than elsewhere in Hong Kong, but the selection of food (especially non-Chinese fare) is also larger. Soho, halfway up the Central Escalator, has a wide array of trendy and/or atmospheric restaurants serving international food.

• Tsui Wah Restaurant (翠華餐廳)[9]. Clean and multilingual, this is a moderately priced cha chaan teng where even a non-Chinese speaker can easily explore. Aside from the typical cha chaan teng foods such as French toast, curry, baked rice, fried noodles, and Hong Kong style milk-tea, also try their famous fishball noodle in soup. Expect to share a table at peak hours.

• G/F-2/f, 15-19 Wellington St, Central, tel. 25256338.
• G/F, 20-22 Cannon St, Causeway Bay, tel. 25734338, 24hr.
• G/F, 491-493 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay, tel. 28343438, 24hr.

• Tai Hing Roast Restaurant (太興燒味餐廳)[10]. A Cantonese BBQ eatery. Roast pork, roast piglet, BBQ pork, roast goose, soy sauce chicken are all hanging in the front display window, available to eat in or take out.

• Shop D, L/G & Basement, No. 142-146 Queen's Rd, Central, tel. 25459008.
• G/F, Shop J, Po Ming Bldg, 49-57 Lee Garden Rd, Causeway Bay, tel. 25768961.
• G/F, Shop 1-3, Cigna Tower, 470-484 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay, tel. 25777038.

• Fung Shing Restaurant (鳳城酒家), 7 On Tai Street, Sheung Wan (in Western Market), tel. 2815 8689. A local eatery known for its dim sum, which is cheap and good at $10 and up per portion. Open daily from 7:30 AM for the dim sum breakfast crowd, but sadly no English menu.

• Lin Heung Tea House (蓮香樓), 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, tel. 2544 4556, 6AM-11PM. Famous for traditional Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. It is more than 70-years-old, and always packed with diners. Do not expect luxury decorations and service in this restaurant, it is a place serving genuine and traditional Cantonese food but without the frills. The most famous dish here is the whole roasted duck ($120), but there's a wide range of other dishes for around $40 or so; or maybe try their other speciality, the succulent pork ribs. English menu available.

• The American Peking Restaurant 20 Lockhart Rd, tel. 2527 7770. The Peking Duck, carved at the table, is a speciality, best shared amongst several friends. Also recommended are the sizzling prawns. Most dishes can be ordered in small, medium or large sizes. The upstairs tables have the best atmosphere.

• The Quarterdeck Club, 1 Lung King Street, Fenwick Pier, Wanchai. This is one of the few harbour-side restaurants, but is slightly spoiled by the land reclamation taking place nearby.

• Thai and Chinese Restaurant, by the roundabout, Shek-O. Great at the weekend after you've hiked along the Dragon's Back.

• Red Pepper Restaurant, 7 Lan Fong Rd, Causeway Bay (MTR: Causeway Bay). Sichuan cuisine; spicy dishes.

• Tai Ping Koon Restaurant (太平館餐廳)[11], 6 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay, tel. 2576 9161. Founded in Guangzhou in 1860, the three locations (two in Kowloon) have now become institutions of Canto-Western cuisine. Don't be put off by the touristy menu available in three languages, as the restaurant is very popular with locals. Some specialties are the Swiss sauce chicken wings, roasted young pigeon, smoked promfret, dried fried rice noodles with beef, and baked souffle. Reservation for a seating in their 1960-esque room is highly recommended.

• The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, tel. (852) 2849 1000, M-Th 10:30M-11:30PM, F 10:30AM-1AM, Sa 8:30AM-1AM, Su 8:30-10:30PM [12]. Located near the top of the Peak Tram. Serving a range of international cuisine such as naan bread, Hainan chicken, and steaks in a 19th century heritage building. Also has a pleasant garden patio.

• Café One, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, tel. (852) 2839 3311, Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fun & friendly informal dining from an open kitchen and an exciting buffet featuring a wide selection of Asian and Western cuisines.

• Luk Yu Tea House (陸羽茶室), 24-26 Stanley Street, Central, +852 25235464, 7AM-10PM. Famous for the excellent tea and traditional dim sum served in an old Hong Kong atmosphere. It is a popular meeting place for businessmen. Service, once famously surly, has improved in recent years and they now even provide an English menu on request. Dim sum served from early till 5:30PM.

• Yung Kee Restaurant, 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, +852 25221624 [13]. Established in 1942, this restaurant has enjoyed unparallelled success and was once named in the "Top Fifteen Restaurants in the World" by Fortune Magazine. Previously a humble BBQ house serving it's renowned roast goose, it has evolved into a world famous cantonese restaurant. Dim sum also served at lunch-time.

• Fook Lam Moon, 35–45 Johnston Road, Wanchai, +852 28660663 [14]. The main branch of an old school Cantonese restaurant group with locations in Kowloon, Shanghai and four in Japan. Famous for luxurious delicacies such as abalone, and swallow's nest. More affordable specialties include roast suckling pig, crispy chicken, and steamed lotus leaf rice.

• Cafe Deco, Level 1-2, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, +852 28495111, M-Th 11:30AM-12AM, F-Sa 11:30-1AM, Su 9:30-12PM [15]. Located opposite the top of the Peak Tram. Features an international menu with items such as fresh oysters, sushi, Himalayan chicken, and pizzas. The food is reasonable, and the views spectacular (especially during the 8PM Victoria Harbour lights/fireworks).

Drink

The most popular nightlife locations on the island are Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai.

One special feature of Hong Kong is the drinking places high-up on commercial buildings. For example, there are some funky drinking places in Hennessy Building on Yan Pan Road, which is at the junction between Happy Valley and Causeway Bay, and it is always nice to sip your drinks while having an overview of Hong Kong Island – especially as the drinks are cheap. In Central, the roof of the IFC has a public roof garden where you can buy drinks and snacks from adjacent bars whilst enjoying spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. Note that because this is actually a public space (it might not seem like it), you do not have to buy drinks in order to sit down in the roof garden.

Sleep

There is a plethora of high-end accommodation available on the Island, but less at the cheaper ends of the scale. You can save money if you are prepared to book at one of the last minute websites (usually within 20 days).

• Yesinn Hostel (悅思客棧), 294 King's Road, Fortress Hill. (852) 2881 7077 [16]. Budget accommodation that is small, clean and comfortable. Located next to Fortress Hill MTR station, it is a convenient place for backpackers and budget business travellers alike.

• Ibis North Point, 138 Java Road, ☎ +852 2588 1111, [17]. The inexpensive Ibis offers really tiny rooms in a 31-floor high building. The view towards the harbour is rather nice. Rates starting around $500.  edit
• Novotel Hong Kong Century (香港诺富特世纪酒店), 238 Jaffe Road, ☎ +852 2598 8888, [18]. Recently renovated hotel that offers wifi, swimming pool, sauna and a health club.  edit
• Ramada Hong Kong, 308 Des Voeux Road West, ☎ +852 3510 3333, [19]. Good location, on tram line near Admiralty MTR station. Rates starting around $900, sometimes discounted to as low as $600.  edit

• Mingle Place On The Wing, 105 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, ☎ +852 2581 2329, [20]. Located in historical Sheung Wan next to Hong Kong's central business district. Full sized suite provides separate living/work and bedroom areas. Rates start at $1,280.  edit

Splurge

Most of the ultra luxurious hotels on the island are in and around Central, Admiralty and Causeway Bay have some less posh, yet well located choices. Central:

• Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, tel.+852 31968888 (fax.+852 31968899) [21]. Since it's opening at the end of 2005, this contemporary hotel next to the IFC has become one of the most prestigious in Hong Kong. Features 399 rooms, wall-to-wall windows with view of Victoria Harbour or Victoria Peak, 2 outdoor infinity pools, a 22,000sq ft spa, and a fitness centre. From $4200.

• Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, The Landmark, Central, tel.+852 21320188, [22]. Opened in 2005, this 113-room boutique hotel with contemporary oriental ambiance has won numerous awards worldwide. Centrally located at The Landmark Atrium, it is located within a few minutes walk from Lan Kwai Fong. Also features the 25,000sq ft The Oriental Spa. From $3900.

• Conrad Hotel Hong Kong. Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel.+852 25213838 (fax.+852 25213888) [23]. One of three elegantly appointed 5-star hotels at the conveniently located Pacific Place complex. Features 513 rooms, a swimming pool, and a health club. Amongst their five restaurants, Nicholini's was awarded "Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano" (Best Italian Restaurant - abroad) by the President of Italy from 1998 - 2000. Prices from $2500.

• JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel.+852 28108366 (fax.+852 28450737), [24]. One of three elegantly appointed 5-star hotels at the conveniently located Pacific Place complex. Features 577 rooms, a swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and six restaurants. From $2800.

• Island Shangri-La , Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, tel.+852 28773838 (fax.+852 25218742), [25]. One of three elegantly appointed 5-star hotels at the conveniently located Pacific Place complex. The hotel comprises of 531 rooms and 34 suites decorated with Asian-accented European furnishings. Facilities include a health club and swimming pool. From $2800.

• Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, tel.+852 25220111, [26]. Reopened in 2006 after extensive renovations, this original Mandarin Oriental continues to be the flagship of the prestigious hotel group. Features 502 rooms, The Mandarin Spa, indoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. Also worth noting is Pierre, a French restaurant serving dishes inspired by Michelin 3-star chef Pierre Gagnaire. From $3900.

• Hotel LKF, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, tel.+852 35189688, [27]. A 95-room boutique hotel in the middle of Lan Kwai Fong. From $2500.

Wanchai/Causeway Bay:

• Metropark Hotel Wanchai, Hong Kong, 41-49 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, ☎ +852 2861 1166 (rsvn.hkwh@metroparkhotels.com), [28]. The 4-star hotel recently underwent a multi-billion major renovation, representing a new and refreshing image. Ideally located in heart of the city, equipped with LCD TV and broadband service. From $450.  edit

• Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 148 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay, ☎ +852 2600 1000 (info.hkcb@metroparkhotels.com), [29]. A 266-room 4 star hotel with over 70% room enjoys a stunning Harbour View and the extensive greenery of Victoria Park. 24 hours complimentary broadband internet access and impressive rooftop outdoor swimming pool with splendid harbour view.  edit

• Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, ☎ +852 2588 1234 (info.ghhk@hyattintl.com), [30]. Overlooks Victoria Harbour. Has a direct connection to the Hong Kong Conventions and Exhibition Centre. Host to the renown Plateau Spa. $3500-$4600  edit

• Lanson Place Hotel, 133 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tel.+852 34776888, [31]. A small boutique hotel in a modern building with an old world European facade. Situated in a "less-busy" corner of Causeway Bay. Rooms $2300-$3600. Suites $4500-$10500.

• Jia Boutique Hotel, 1-5 Irving Street, Causeway Bay, tel.+852 31969000, [32]. A 54 room boutique hotel designed by Philippe Starck. Complimentary in-room broadband internet access, breakfast, wine during cocktail hour, afternoon cakes, and California Fitness gym access. Some rooms with cooking equipment. $2500-$6000.

• The Excelsior, Hong Kong, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, tel.+852 28948888, [33]. A 864-room 4-star hotel in the centre of Hong Kong's shopping and entertainment district. Unobstructed views of either Victoria Harbour or Victoria Park. From $1380.

• The Park Lane Hong Kong, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, tel.+852 22938888, [34]. This 810-room 4-star hotel may not be brand new, but it is in the heart of Hong Kong's shopping and entertainment district. Great views of either Victoria Harbour or Victoria Park. From $1380.

Contact